The Canary Islands are one of the 15 regions with the greatest biodiversity on the planet and boast the highest level of biodiversity in Europe. TUI Forest Gran Canaria intends to help address several challenges which affect both the local population and the natural heritage and wealth of resources on the island of Gran Canaria.  

Historical deforestation has caused the loss of biodiversity with the disappearance of forest ecosystems. As a consequence, the erosion caused by rain and storms has allowed the most productive layers of the soil to be washed into the sea, causing a desertification process that places the Canary Islands as the third autonomous community in Spain with the highest risk of desertification. Currently, it is believed that more than 90% of the soil is degraded. The recovery of forests facilitates the improvement of local economies. 

TUI Forest Gran Canaria will plant 3,000 trees in an area covering 30.000 square metres.  Six local people will be employed and trained to professionally prepare, plant and water the soil.  720 volunteers and staff will be involved in restoration activities. Additionally, 5,000 tourists and 100 school children will participate in a nature-based tourism experience and will plant a tree themselves on their visit to the forest. 

The reforestation activities will benefit over 10,000 community members living near the forest, which includes the villages of Firgas, Valleseco and Arucas.